By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Northborough/Shrewsbury – In the eyes of a child, a birthday is a very special thing that deserves to be celebrated. For many children living in homeless shelters, Birthday Wishes, a nonprofit organization based in Newton, ensures that each child will be recognized with a party complete with a cake, games, music, a craft, presents and a goody bag.
Shrewsbury resident Cheryl Pouliot volunteers as a party coordinator for Birthday Wishes’ regional Northborough office. She loves giving back, but what she receives is far more rewarding.
“I am a giver by nature. I don’t do this to be recognized. It really fills me up. Just seeing the smiles on the children’s faces is heartwarming,” said Pouliot.
She first became involved with Birthday Wishes in 2012, when she saw a posting of a beautiful cake from her friend, Teri Blum, on Facebook. When she inquired what it was for, she learned that is was for a party for Birthday Wishes. Blum is a full time attorney, but volunteers as a party coordinator. Blum thought Pouliot would be a perfect fit as she loved planning events and, as it turned out, there was a need for a party coordinator at one of the area locations.
“I went through the proper procedure of filling out a [background check form], assessing the time commitment and reviewing the training manual,” Pouliot explained. “When all was said and done, it was one night each month where I would be able to do something that I truly enjoy and the outcome would be that a child who may not have ever had a birthday party was going to have this incredible experience with lasting memories that I would be a part of.”
She has been assigned to a specific shelter in Leominster; each month there are children who reside there that are recognized at the time of their birthdays. Each party is unique.
“I treat these parties as if they are my kids’ parties and I am pretty particular about all of the details,” Pouliot said. “I know the office has everything that I would need but sometimes I choose to supplement. I reach out to my shelter contact to get the children’s ages, wish lists, and theme ideas for any upcoming birthdays. I also like to throw pajamas and a book to read as I think that the children love to be read to by a family member.”
In addition to working full time for Oracle as a global field solutions enablement manager, Pouliot also works part time as the family educator at B’nai Shalom in Westborough. She resides in Shrewsbury with her husband and sons.
For students at B’nai Shalom who are looking to fulfill their Mitzvah projects, Birthday Wishes provides a wonderful opportunity for them to give back. Pouliot’s son, Zach, has been assisting her for a couple of years now with the parties. The children really respond positively to him and he is committed to participating in this community service.
“The community at B’nai Shalom has been so supportive with incorporating Birthday Wishes into their community service,” said Pouliot.
For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit www.birthdaywishes.org or Birthday Wishes of Northborough on Facebook, or call 866-388-9474, ext. 5.
